McBryde Feels The Love From Auburn

Jason Caldwell

07/26/2014

One of the top defensive prospects on Auburn's recruiting board, Richard McBryde finally pulled the trigger on Saturday by choosing the Tigers.

Troy, Ala.--A talented defensive player who has been high on Auburn since getting an offer from Gus Malzahn and company, Richard McBryde finally decided the time was right early on Saturday as he committed to the Tigers over Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Kentucky, Miami and others.

"They have been recruiting me the hardest and I just decided I was going to go ahead and commit," McBryde said. "I wanted to get it out of the way and focus on my senior season.

"Every time I go up there the coaches show me a lot of love," he adds about Auburn. "Even Gus Malzahn because when I go up there I get to hang out with him. When the head coach is pushing you to commit that shows something."

It was that kind of love that proved to be big for McBryde as he got several chances to interact with Malzahn one-on-one. That attention to detail was important for the talented linebacker in the end.

"It's real important when the head coach takes time out to talk to you and show you around and try to persuade you to come," McBryde added. "It shows that he really wants you. When I told him he was very excited. He just told me they were glad to have me on board."

Malzahn and McBryde at a summer camp in June

That relationship with the coaching staff doesn't end with Malzahn, however, as McBryde has a long history with Auburn tight ends coach Scott Fountain. In addition he has become close with safeties coach Charlie Harbison. McBryde said having those connections made him comfortable about his future on the Plains.

"Me and Coach Cheese have a great relationship," McBryde said. "He's like a daddy to me pretty much. Every time I go up there he talks to me and sometimes it's not even about football, but just about life. I like that."

A versatile player at 6-2, 215 pounds, McBryde has the athleticism to play the "star" position if needed, but is expected to get his first look at one of the two linebacker spots in Coach Ellis Johnson's defense because of the physicality he brings to the table.

Close to making his decision since the spring, McBryde said it was finally the right time for him to make his choice as he prepares for his senior season at Charles Henderson.

"I feel real excited because now I can just start playing ball and focusing on my work," he added.

As a junior McBryde earned Class 4A Lineman of the Year honors after leading the Trojans to the state title game. He finished the year with 161 tackles, 36 tackles for losses and 10 sacks. He is the 19th commitment for Auburn's 2015 signee class: